AIG FCID Annex Pays Courtesy Visit To Oniru Of Iru Land, Reaffirms Commitment To Community Policing

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, CON, the Oniru of Iru Land, at his palace in Lagos.

AIG Akpanudom was accompanied by members of his leadership team and the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, FCID Annex Lagos, ASP Mayegun Aminat, ANIPR, MNISMA.

The visit is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen community-oriented and people-centred policing through collaboration with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders.

His Royal Majesty warmly received the AIG and his team. He commended the initiative, noting that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in promoting peace, security, and social harmony within their domains. The monarch stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the police and traditional institutions to address emerging security challenges and build mutual understanding between law enforcement and the public.

Speaking during the visit, AIG Akpanudom emphasized that effective policing requires continuous engagement with the people and key stakeholders at the grassroots. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and enhancing public trust through improved service delivery, intelligence-led policing, and community participation.

ASP Mayegun Aminat, the PPRO, FCID Annex Lagos, said the Command would continue to leverage strategic communication to deepen trust between the Police and communities. She noted that regular engagement with stakeholders like traditional rulers helps the Police address misinformation and improve public cooperation.

The Oniru of Iru Land expressed confidence in the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force. He underscored the need for improved welfare, capacity building, and provision of modern security equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.

Drawing from his experience in security administration, the monarch advocated increased deployment of technology in policing. He also recommended institutionalizing periodic engagements between the Police and traditional rulers to strengthen intelligence gathering and community security.

A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu, who died while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finance and Administration, Lagos State Command. The gesture reflected respect for his dedicated service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.

The visit also featured the presentation of a copy of From City to Mega City, a book authored by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, to the AIG. This was followed by an exchange of plaques and a guided tour of the palace, symbolizing the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the Nigeria Police Force and traditional institutions.

The FCID Annex, Lagos, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that support effective policing, strengthen public confidence, and promote a safer society for all.